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Report: ‘World-class�Tottenham-linked titan unsure of rival move, contract offer tabled
According to , Lazio are yet to convince Jerome Boateng of a move to Italy, amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
Boateng will leave Bayern Munich as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the month. The Bundesliga powerhouse elected against offering the German an extension to his trophy-laden 10-year career at the Allianz Arena.
Lazio have been in discussions with Boateng over a move to the Stadio Olimpico for some time. The Biancocelesti are keen to sign the 32-year-old centre-half as they view him as a very high-level reinforcement for Maurizio Sarri’s first season in charge.
Lazio have already presented Boateng with a contract proposal to secure the 2014 World Cup winner’s services. But he is yet to put pen to paper, as the offer fails to satisfy his desire to continue playing Champions League football.
Tottenham would also be unable to quench Boateng’s thirst for top-tier UEFA action. Yet Spurs held concrete discussions with the former Manchester City enforcer in April, per . He also met with Barcelona representatives, but a move to Spain was unlikely.
Daniel Levy and new Managing Director Fabio Paratici now have a window to revive negotiations and seal a free transfer. Boateng of his Bundesliga appearances last season as he claimed a with Bayern.
TBR’s view: Tottenham must jump on Boateng chance
Tottenham will struggle to lure Boateng to north London without Champions League football, but Levy and Paratici must jump at the chance to re-open negotiations. Talks with Lazio breaking down have given Spurs a window that they cannot waste.
Even at 32, Boateng is able to offer a top-draw presence in the backline, but more importantly a leader. None of Tottenham’s current options would match the German titan for his direction or his playmaking talents from the role.
Boateng’s ability to stretch the field is an aspect of his game lauded by those he played with at Bayern. Thomas Muller, for one, dubbed his compatriot a ‘quarterback�at centre-back for that part of his game.
“It’s incredible to be able to open up the game like that as a centre-back,�Muller said, via . “He’s like a quarterback, and has developed into a world-class player.�/p>